Honors Senior English

Ms. Lauren McLaughlin

DuBois Area High School
Course Description:
Honors British Literature/Composition is a study of some of the most important literary periods, topics
and themes beginning with the Anglo-Saxon period and ending with George Orwell’s 1984. Students
will focus on the major literary forms of the emerging nation, analyze the literary themes and trends,
research and compose several papers, speeches, and presentations using representative forms of
discourse. Students are expected to be active readers as they analyze and interpret text and establish
connections between great historical pieces and your everyday life. The major works Honors English
students will read are listed below along with the focus of each unit of study. The year is split into two
main concepts: British literature and Writing/Graduation Readiness. The course will be taught like two
semester courses. The second part of the year is independently driven and project-intensive. Therefore,
you must be diligent on staying organized, meeting deadlines and completing tasks. The two major
graduation requirements for the course are the senior paper and the senior portfolio/senior interview.

Theme Major Works/Focus Key Concepts

The 13th Warrior Early Roman/British History
In the Beginning…the beginning of
Beowulf Anglo Saxon Life
British literature as we know it
The Hero’s Journey
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Arthurian Legend
Le Morte d’Arthur
The Medieval Period Estates/Satire
The Canterbury Tales: prologue

Review of time period

Thematic Focus:
Macbeth Ambition
The Elizabethan Period Hamlet (movie) Gender Roles
Revenge
Self-Destruction

Abuse of Power
Parallels of Book and Modern
Dystopian Future 1984 Society
Post-Truth Era
Propaganda
PART II
MLA documentation
Argumentative Senior Paper- topic of
APA documentation
Research Writing choice
Annotations
Abstracts
Resumes
Cover Letters
Thank You Letter
Portfolio Preparation References
Graduation Readiness
Senior Interviews LinkedIn
Professionalism
Interview Prep
 Honors Senior English
Expectations of YOU:

Since we are using a hybrid/blended/distance learning model to begin the year, this is going to be a learning
experience for ALL of us. You are honors students, so my expectations of you are set very high! Regardless of
where you will be learning, my expectations of you are pretty simple:
1. Participate in class (both online and in class).
2. Meet your deadlines.
3. Communicate with me – don’t wait until the last minute to tell me you have a problem.
4. Come to class prepared EVERY SINGLE DAY (Chromebook/charger, headphones, writing utensil,
binder, etc.).
5. Be a good human.

In my class, we communicate through Google Classroom and REMIND. Please be sure to sign up for my
classes. Please have a binder for class and a pair of headphones for independent work.

Senior English 2021 REMIND: @edfa9e

Google Classroom
Check your school email for my invite! If you did not get an invite, please use the appropriate code to sign up.

Period 2: 4qzy5g6
Period 5: q3uvgkl

Contact Information:
Lauren McLaughlin
Work: 814-371-8111, Extension 3117
lmclaughlin@dubois.school
Twitter: @LaurenMcl215
Website: